Satellite Imagery Confirms Destruction of Khamenei’s Residence
Satellite imagery released on Saturday, February 28, 2026, has confirmed the complete destruction of the official residence of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. The images reveal a leveled compound, with significant debris and rising smoke plumes, suggesting that a precise and powerful strike was executed. This event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Military Escalation and Diplomatic Breakdown
This catastrophic strike follows a day of extreme military escalation, and coincides with the collapse of diplomatic efforts in Geneva. Earlier in the day, the United States accused Iran of detaining multiple American citizens, heightening the already fragile situation. In response, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, stating that “military force will be used if necessary.” As tensions reached a boiling point, the U.S. Navy positioned its USS Gerald R. Ford strike group off the coast of Israel, a move that had already placed a large concentration of U.S. naval and air power in close proximity to Iran.
While no official statements have been made by the U.S. or Israel regarding the strike, the timing of the attack aligns with reports of widespread airstrikes targeting key Iranian military infrastructure. These airstrikes have struck Iranian command-and-control centers, crippling the country’s ability to respond to further aggression.
Global Reactions and Market Volatility
The geopolitical fallout from the destruction of Khamenei’s residence has been swift. Spain has condemned the action as “unilateral military action,” urging restraint and calling for a return to diplomatic solutions. Other Western powers, including the United Kingdom and France, had already evacuated their diplomatic staff from Tehran earlier in the day, anticipating potential escalation.
The status of Ayatollah Khamenei remains unknown. The Iranian government has yet to issue any official updates, leaving the world to speculate on whether the Supreme Leader was inside his residence during the strike. His absence from public communication has fueled concerns regarding his condition and the potential destabilization of Iran’s leadership. If Khamenei has been injured or killed, it could create a power vacuum, further complicating the region’s already fragile political landscape.
The international markets have reacted immediately, with oil prices rising sharply amid fears of a wider conflict. Financial markets are bracing for continued volatility as the risk of a full-scale regional war grows.
As the situation unfolds, the world remains on edge, with many fearing that further military actions could spiral into an all-out war in the Middle East. The global community is closely watching the responses from both the United States and Iran, as well as the involvement of other regional powers such as Russia and China.
